Johnson Controls to outfit Bee’ah’s new smart HQ in UAE

Johnson Controls, Microsoft Corp and Bee’ah announced an agreement on April 22, 2019, for the enhancement of Bee’ah’s new headquarters in Sharjah, UAE, with an array of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart building solutions.

Under the agreement, Johnson Controls will deploy a technical infrastructure for the building capable of monitoring its entire environment virtually, using its Digital Vault offering built on Microsoft Azure Digital Twins and IoT technologies.

Digital Vault translates the physical world inside the building into a digital representation with rich data that can be visualized, analysed and acted upon to deliver proactive maintenance, optimise building systems and deliver intelligent support for the people inside.

“In partnership with Microsoft, Johnson Controls is transforming traditional building systems with services that merge the physical and digital worlds,” says Bill Jackson, Johnson Control’s president of Global Products, Building Technologies & Solutions. “Through this project, we are showcasing how the cloud and AI can tap into data from physical spaces to drive better engagement with occupants and achieve new levels of efficiency and sustainability.”

From digital workspaces and back-office integration to lobby-visitor manageent and security, employees and visitors at the office will experience a diverse range of cutting-edge AI features through multiple touchpoints across various functions, including HR, customer care, procurement, administration and MEP systems.

Exclusive cloud provider Microsoft will also optimise the experience of the building with AI-powered personal concierge services, which will engage visitors and employees to help locate available meeting spaces, book appointments, give directions, hail rides and support day-to-day tasks.

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the futuristic new headquarters will be fully powered by renewable energy and optimised for the sustainable use of resources for zero net energy consumption and LEED platinum certification.

“Environmental sustainability and digital technologies are mutually inclusive factors in driving an economy of the future,” said Bee’ah’s Group CEO Khaled Al Huraimel. “Our headquarters embodies our vision for this future and exemplifies the most sustainable solutions and advanced technologies, with no compromise on strategic partnerships, innovation or delivery.

“This will be the first building in the region, and one of the first in the world, to have full integration with AI to support new seamless experiences for optimisation of efficiencies, performance and functionality,” he added. “We look forward to the gradual roll-out of AI-powered smart building solutions at other Bee’ah offices and locations across the UAE.”

Bee’ah is setting a benchmark in AI capabilities within the region and around the world through smart platforms, with support from the Sharjah government and the UAE’s leadership, which set the foundations for developing sustainable smart cities.